I liked this book more than "liked" it; however, it was telling about my own self to like Dexter, the main character, as much as I did, who was for thI liked this book more than "liked" it; however, it was telling about my own self to like Dexter, the main character, as much as I did, who was for the majority of the book, a ne-er do well, an alcoholic, a player, flighty, untruthful, full of himself. And yet I liked him. And I loved that he loved sweet, lacking self-confidence Emma. A gal I could relate to, too too much, perhaps not in the lack of self-confidence as much as the tripping through life trying to find one's calling....more

Another great read by author, Alan Bradley, of his clever, but nerdy chemist and heroine, Flavia de Luce. Such a likeable story, village, village peopAnother great read by author, Alan Bradley, of his clever, but nerdy chemist and heroine, Flavia de Luce. Such a likeable story, village, village people, suspects, bad guys and girls, and Flavia's two rotten older sisters.

Kooky single lady living in New York writes to a dusty old (or so I imagined it to be) bookstore in London. For the most part IDelightful and quirky.

Kooky single lady living in New York writes to a dusty old (or so I imagined it to be) bookstore in London. For the most part I do not have the same tastes in books as she did but I was charmed by her platonic long-distance relationship with those working at the book store, particularly one gentleman and the members of his family that were a part of this quaint story. I was interested especially in reading references to the post-war city of London and the economy--what was hard to come by and whatnot.

The little book was not long enough for my tastes. Had it been it might have received more stars. (This is exactly the type of relationship I am looking for!)...more

A poetically and beautifully written story of four individuals who co-habit the ruins of an old Italian villa, each nursing each other in some form. OA poetically and beautifully written story of four individuals who co-habit the ruins of an old Italian villa, each nursing each other in some form. One, a burn victim, the English patient; two, Caravaggio, a former thief, but needed by war officials for undercover work; three, Hana, a nurse, who knew Caravaggio, prior to the war, as her father's old friend; and, four, the East Indian who lives on the precipice of death each day defusing bombs and mines leftover from the war, and with whom Hana is having a love affair with.

Don't you wonder sometimes how you missed reading certain children/young adult classics when you were younger? Perhaps they didn't think girls would eDon't you wonder sometimes how you missed reading certain children/young adult classics when you were younger? Perhaps they didn't think girls would enjoy the story of young Jim Hawkins and his ocean voyage, with bad boy, Long John Silver (whom you couldn't help but love), his parrot (Pieces of Eight! thank heavens for wikipedia because as far as I could tell, the book did not enlighten me on that expression), and a bunch of other rapscallion-ey pirates as well as some just wonderful characters--Jim being the best, but a good moral doctor, squire and captain to balance out the badduns.

Perhaps my favorite of the three Flavia books. Gypsies, tramps, thieves, and murder! The book wouldn't be half the fun without the sleuth's quick quipPerhaps my favorite of the three Flavia books. Gypsies, tramps, thieves, and murder! The book wouldn't be half the fun without the sleuth's quick quips, courageous but somewhat foolhardy adventures in the chemistry lab, and out and about in the picturesque countryside with her trusted bike, Gladys, that nevertheless somehow always turn out right. Throw in the sinister-less torment from her two older sisters and you've got yourself one great read. Already starting the 4th in the series. You might just say that I got hooked by this red herring, with or without, mustard....more

What nice happenstance to pick this book up in the wintery Christmas season and find it taking place at the same time of year--I'm sure it made it thaWhat nice happenstance to pick this book up in the wintery Christmas season and find it taking place at the same time of year--I'm sure it made it that much more of an enjoyable read than had I opened its pages in the heat of the summer.

So, little Miss Flavia, has yet another murder on her hands; however, this one within the doors of her own home. Loved the plot and circumstances of the death (it's okay, you will too) and the plot to reveal Father Christmas. A gem....more

Bram Stoker's Dracula and Christmas have never before met in my lifetime, but this book brought them together in a great look at metaphors of allowingBram Stoker's Dracula and Christmas have never before met in my lifetime, but this book brought them together in a great look at metaphors of allowing evil in, in our own lives, and the conscious choices we must make to overcome bad so that goodness may not only triumph in our ourselves, but in the world.

This might be the first novella I've read by Graham Greene, a favorite author of mine. As usual he gets into a book, keeps it moving and finishes it.This might be the first novella I've read by Graham Greene, a favorite author of mine. As usual he gets into a book, keeps it moving and finishes it. Pared down, simple, great dialogue, and spot on about the human psyche, particularly in this case of newlyweds, honeymoon expectations. That it takes place in Monte Carlo, would undeniably have to include gambling, the gambling which begins the demise of the relationship. However, who the real loser is, is up to the reader to determine....more

Possibly my favorite of the Flavia de Luce mysteries. Flavia is growing up and there's little I can do about it, and little that I want to do about itPossibly my favorite of the Flavia de Luce mysteries. Flavia is growing up and there's little I can do about it, and little that I want to do about it.

I especially enjoyed her taking to the skies in her mother's plane, Blythe Spirit, and me taking in a bird's-eye view of the English countryside.

And Winston Churchill making a cameo appearance was a big hit. Yay to strong women, even young ones; nay, especially young ones....more

a sweet story of a group of chums from Pocatella, Idaho, who were some very likable characters. This read follows them from the age of 14 into WWI.

Ia sweet story of a group of chums from Pocatella, Idaho, who were some very likable characters. This read follows them from the age of 14 into WWI.

I don't know as much about WWI as I do about WWII and so this was a good read to help me understand the countries at war, and how it came about. I especially found it interesting reading about aeronautics and their role in the war....more

Vignettes of amazing people--some of unknowns in our day but the man- or woman-of-the-hour in theirs. Sad that these great people and their amazing feVignettes of amazing people--some of unknowns in our day but the man- or woman-of-the-hour in theirs. Sad that these great people and their amazing feats have become lost, meaning generally unknown, through the passing of time. However, thank you to writers like McCullough and photographers like Plowden who take these "snapshots" of history to remind us of the good that has been so that we may continue to carry the torch into our own time period for the good to be done. I loved each and every one of these essays....more